Rockland police officer participates in New York, New Jersey torch run for Special Olympics

By Staff | Jun 23, 2014

Courtesy of: Troy PeasleyTroy Peasley and Special Olympic athlete Antonio Bowe run the 'Flame of Hope' through the streets of New Jersey.

Troy Peasley of the Rockland Police Department was one of 51 law enforcement officers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia to participate in the torch run for the Special Olympics in New York City and New Jersey earlier this month.

On Wednesday, June 11, the officers and six Special Olympic athletes met in New York City to kick off the Law Enforcement Torch Run final leg.

The running team started at the Fox & Friends television studio then ran the 'Flame of Hope' for Special Olympics through Times Square, to the Sept. 11th memorial, on to Battery Park and out to the Statue of Liberty.

The next day the group split into six running teams doing three different routes. Peasley's team ran through the streets of Philadelphia to the Liberty Bell, then crossed the Ben Franklin Bridge into Camden, New Jersey.

The next two days the team continued across New Jersey giving eight speeches per day and greeting the 3,500 Special Olympic athletes that were arriving in New Jersey for the 2014 USA Summer Games.

The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is to spread awareness and raise funds for Special Olympics. Police officers are guardians of the flame for Special Olympics. Worldwide the Law Enforcement Torch Run raised $46.3 million in 2013.

On Sunday afternoon, June 15, wearing his Rockland Police Department uniform, Peasley led the 58 members of Team Maine into the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Later that evening he participated in the lighting of the cauldron ceremony to officially open the 2014 USA Summer Games.

Peasley also visited the The National September 11 Memorial & Museum and found the name of Jennifer Lynn Kane, the daughter of some friends of his who visit Rockland each summer. She worked for Marsh & McLennan on the 100th floor of the north tower. More information is available at jenniferlynnkane.com/.

Troy Peasley of the Rockland Police Department is pictured with Special Olympic athletes Heather from New Jersey (holding her eight gold medals) and Lewis from Wyoming.
(Courtesy of: Troy Peasley)

Troy Peasley of Rockland holds the torch with Special Olympic athlete Lewis Fancher as the team poses in front of the Statue of Liberty.
(Courtesy of: Troy Peasley)

Troy Peasley's running team in Battery Park with the Freedom Tower in the background.
(Courtesy of: Troy Peasley)

Troy Peasley of the Rockland Police Department visits the The National September 11 Memorial & Museum and finds the name of Jennifer Lynn Kane, the daughter of some friends of his, who visit Rockland each summer. She worked for Marsh & McLennan on the 100th floor of the north tower.
(Courtesy of: Troy Peasley)